From Gulf to US, NRIs fly home for faster & cheaper healthcare
Non-Resident Indians from the Gulf to the United States are increasingly choosing India for medical treatment, driven by lower costs and easier access to health insurance, according to Policybazaar data. Purchases of health policies by NRIs have risen 126% year-on-year, supported by AI-based tele-medical check-ups, digital onboarding and GST exemption. Insurers are offering up to 40% lower premiums for the NRI segment, making Indian healthcare a cost-effective option for families living abroad.
The trend signals a clear shift. NRIs are not buying health insurance only for emergencies. They are using Indian policies as a complete healthcare solution for themselves and their families, especially ageing parents living in India.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how NRIs approach health insurance in India. Our 126% NRI growth proves that tech has finally dissolved the borders of healthcare. With AI-telemedicals removing physical hurdles and family-floater and parental policies adoption jumping 70% & 60% respectively, we’re seeing a global shift: NRIs are no longer buying insurance only as a contingency for emergencies," Siddharth Singhal, Business Head - Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com said.
The Gulf region accounts for 50% of the NRI customer base, led by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Shorter travel time and lower costs are key reasons. Indian health plans cost between $120 and $300, compared to $2,000 to $3,000 in Gulf countries. Europe holds a 25% share, where long waiting periods for non-emergency surgeries are pushing NRIs to seek faster treatment in Indian private hospitals.
The USA and Canada account for 17% of the market, as even travel plus treatment in India often costs less than planned procedures overseas. Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Africa contribute 8%, with many NRIs opting for Indian plans for major elective surgeries that remain 70% to 80% cheaper in India.
Family-floater policies have seen a sharp rise. Their share has increased from 20% to 70% year-on-year, with average coverage exceeding ₹25 lakh. Policies bought for parents have also grown from 32% to 60%, reflecting focus on healthcare for ageing family members. Many plans include concierge support to help NRIs manage treatment remotely.
"They are increasingly viewing it as a comprehensive healthcare solution, covering preventive care, outpatient expenses, planned treatments, and long-term needs for themselves and their families, especially aging parents back home (concierge support). As international medical expenses skyrocket, the 40% cost advantage of our domestic world-class facilities is making India the global value-hub for the diaspora’s healthcare,” Singhal added.
There is a 70% increase in customers opting for higher sum insured, indicating that NRIs are factoring in medical inflation of around 14% annually. They are choosing policies that can cover advanced procedures without additional expenses.
Outpatient department cover has nearly tripled, rising from 7% to 20%. OPD benefits cover doctor consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines without hospital admission. NRIs often use visits to India for full health check-ups and specialist consultations. For parents with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, OPD cover helps manage recurring costs.
Multi-year policies have recorded a 19% increase in adoption. NRIs are locking in premiums for two to three years to avoid annual renewals and protect against rising healthcare costs in India. This also ensures continuous coverage for family members.
India is emerging as a value destination for healthcare. Premiums are up to 40% lower than similar coverage in the USA, Canada, Europe or the Gulf. Surgeries, consultations and medicines cost 70% to 90% less. Faster access to specialists in Indian private hospitals adds to the appeal.
The trend signals a clear shift. NRIs are not buying health insurance only for emergencies. They are using Indian policies as a complete healthcare solution for themselves and their families, especially ageing parents living in India.
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how NRIs approach health insurance in India. Our 126% NRI growth proves that tech has finally dissolved the borders of healthcare. With AI-telemedicals removing physical hurdles and family-floater and parental policies adoption jumping 70% & 60% respectively, we’re seeing a global shift: NRIs are no longer buying insurance only as a contingency for emergencies," Siddharth Singhal, Business Head - Health Insurance, Policybazaar.com said.
The Gulf region accounts for 50% of the NRI customer base, led by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Shorter travel time and lower costs are key reasons. Indian health plans cost between $120 and $300, compared to $2,000 to $3,000 in Gulf countries. Europe holds a 25% share, where long waiting periods for non-emergency surgeries are pushing NRIs to seek faster treatment in Indian private hospitals.
The USA and Canada account for 17% of the market, as even travel plus treatment in India often costs less than planned procedures overseas. Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Africa contribute 8%, with many NRIs opting for Indian plans for major elective surgeries that remain 70% to 80% cheaper in India.
Family-floater policies have seen a sharp rise. Their share has increased from 20% to 70% year-on-year, with average coverage exceeding ₹25 lakh. Policies bought for parents have also grown from 32% to 60%, reflecting focus on healthcare for ageing family members. Many plans include concierge support to help NRIs manage treatment remotely.
"They are increasingly viewing it as a comprehensive healthcare solution, covering preventive care, outpatient expenses, planned treatments, and long-term needs for themselves and their families, especially aging parents back home (concierge support). As international medical expenses skyrocket, the 40% cost advantage of our domestic world-class facilities is making India the global value-hub for the diaspora’s healthcare,” Singhal added.
There is a 70% increase in customers opting for higher sum insured, indicating that NRIs are factoring in medical inflation of around 14% annually. They are choosing policies that can cover advanced procedures without additional expenses.
Outpatient department cover has nearly tripled, rising from 7% to 20%. OPD benefits cover doctor consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines without hospital admission. NRIs often use visits to India for full health check-ups and specialist consultations. For parents with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, OPD cover helps manage recurring costs.
Multi-year policies have recorded a 19% increase in adoption. NRIs are locking in premiums for two to three years to avoid annual renewals and protect against rising healthcare costs in India. This also ensures continuous coverage for family members.
India is emerging as a value destination for healthcare. Premiums are up to 40% lower than similar coverage in the USA, Canada, Europe or the Gulf. Surgeries, consultations and medicines cost 70% to 90% less. Faster access to specialists in Indian private hospitals adds to the appeal.
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